Fastening screws are an essential element for fixing and assembling many structures and objects. There are two types of common fastener screws: self-tapping screws and self-drilling screws. These screws have sharp cutting edges and a tip that allows you to create your own thread or drill a hole. In this article we will explore the characteristics and differences between these two types of screws and discuss which is the best choice for different situations.
What are self tapping screws?
Unless you're planning on bolting something (the process of sliding a bolt through a hole and attaching a nut to the other side to hold it in place), almost every situation involving a bolt requires a threaded hole. A tap is a tool that can be inserted into a hole after it is drilled and creates a thread to secure the screw.
Self-tapping screws eliminate the need for a tap because they have sharp cutting threads that can hit the thread itself during fixing. There are two big advantages to using self-tapping screws. The first is that they save time and money by eliminating the need for a tap. The second is that the resulting thread they create is much more precise and creates a tighter, stronger connection. It's common to see self-tapping screws used in steel and masonry materials, but they can also cut through plastic or wood.
What are self-drilling screws?
Self-drilling screws are a variety of screws commonly used for quick drilling in metal and wood. A self-drilling screw can usually be identified by its point and slotted tip (notch). This bit acts as a drill bit for the screw, making installation much quicker than switching from a drill bit to a drive bit.
The notched area at the tip serves as a reservoir to receive wood chips or metal filings. This creates the space needed to drill/screw the screw all the way through.
Self-drilling screws are almost always made from hard steel or metal that has been treated to increase its hardness (such as 410 stainless steel). When using self-drilling screws, always make sure the drilled material is softer than the material of the screw itself. Otherwise, the screw bit will be dull and will not cut through the material. All self-drilling screws are also self-drilling by the nature of their operation.
Self-drilling screws save time by eliminating drilling steps (in most cases) and drilling a hole before installation. This also eliminates the need for drills and taps and switching between them for each hole.
*Although these screws are capable of drilling their own holes, we still recommend using a standard drill first, especially when going through very thin wood . This step will significantly limit the possibility of cracking/cracking.
Self-drilling vs self-drilling: which is better?
In the world of fasteners, the usual answer to which is best depends almost entirely on the situation in which the fastener is used. From a time-saving standpoint, a self-drilling screw is the best choice because it can eliminate the need for a drill, making installation a one-step process. However, both have their place and it is a question of knowing which one to use in the situation at hand.
